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Presidio of San Francisco Coastal bluffs by Baker Beach
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Presidio of San Francisco
Sticky Monkey Flower
(Mimulus aurantiacus)
 
Sticky Monkey Flower
Will Elder, NPS
Sticky Monkey Flower blooms at Lobos Creek dunes.
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Mimulus is Latin for "little mime or comic actor," for the face-like corolla.

Presidio Locations: Found throughout the dunes, coastal scrub and serpentine bluffs.

Range In State: Throughout California.

Description: This native shrub has smooth to hairy leaves that are sticky with a resin that protects against desiccation. The long stems have main leaves that have axials with clusters of smaller leaves. Its yellowish-orange flowers have petals shaped like a tube. Blooms July to September.

Native Californian Uses: The Coast Miwok placed the crushed leaves on sores and burns. The roots have been used to treat fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and to curtail hemorrhages. The Pomo have used a decoction made from Sticky Monkey Flower to treat sore, bloodshot eyes which affected many of the men and women who lived in smoky, poorly ventilated dwellings. The flowers commonly have been used to ornament Miwok wreaths and children's hair.

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Crissy Field around 1940

Did You Know?
During 1941 and 1942, Japanese-American language specialists were trained at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Crissy Field.

Last Updated: January 18, 2008 at 17:44 MST